Browse the best chews for puppies that have been tested, put through the wringer and can accomodate all sorts of play styles!
If it feels like your puppy has been chewing on anything and everything, it's probably because they have been! It's part of your puppy's genetic makeup and innate behavior to chew. Chewing is a wonderful way to help your puppy gain mental enrichment and keep dental health on par.
Whether your puppy is grabbing everything they can to stick in their mouth, or they're patiently awaiting a new chew, this list has something for every puppy play style!
Best Chews for Puppies
Puppy Chewing on Everything
When it comes to chews, you're going to find any information that you'd like to out there.
For any person recommending greenies there is another stating that the greenies brand is poison.
For anyone who swears against antlers, there's another owner who's given their dog antler's exclusively.
Best Chews for Puppies Under 6 Months
Age can play a role in determining what toys and chews are approprate for each dog. However, your dog's individual personality will play more of a role in what chews they like best!
This article serves as insight to what I am comfortable giving my dog. It is up to you to get to know your puppy's play and chew style, and accommodate and make changes as needed.
If you're feeling a little unsure, this book is an essential read for any dog owner who wants help as they navigate the care of their dog's health.
Easily one of the most important books you can read as a dog owner. This easy to understand book is packed with science and practical tips to help you and your dog not just live a quality life, but also increase the quantity of years together.
How to stop puppy chewing on everything
First, if you catch your puppy chewing on something that they shouldn't be, remember:
Dogs don't do anything to you. It's not personal. They are simply engaging in what is most fun.
Here are some quick ideas for stopping a puppy from chewing on something they shouldn't be.
1. Redirect
So, be patient, take a deep breath and redirect them to something new.
2. Teach a "leave it" command
It's also okay to teach your dog to leave it.
If you see them starting to eye up a shoe, couch corner or other interesting household item, tell them to "leave it" and then help guide them to something they can have.
3. Use your crate
If you can't supervise your puppy, it's okay to pop them in the crate! You can even give a chew to them in there.
4. Be proactive and pick the activity for them.
If you don't chose what the puppy is doing, they're going to guess (and they're likely to guess incorrectly.) So, chose the activity for them.
5. Keep puppy chews on rotation
This way your puppy doesn't get bored with chews and look for other things to chew on. Have a couple days of some chews available, then swap them out with another variety of chews!
Now, onto the list of our favorite best chews for puppies!
Natural Chews for Puppies Under 3 Months
First, we have the classic kong. You can stuff this with just about anything. Though peanut butter and sweet potato are both classics! Check out these fun ideas!
A classic dog toy for enrichment. Whatever you fill it with, don't forget to freeze it so it lasts a lot longer!
A quick chew like duck, rabbit or chicken feet can be helpful in maintaining clean teeth! Just go for dehydrated, airdried or freeze dried.
Best Natural Chews for Puppies
Tendons last just about as long as bully sticks- but without the odor! Any dog is guaranteed to love chewing on this!
Your dog will never chew on anything as ugly as this! Our dogs love these! They are the longest lasting chew I have yet to find, plus, it's all natural, USA sourced and probably best of all- there's no smell! Use code "LiggettDogTraining" at checkout for free shipping.
Turkey Tendons are a great gift idea for your own dog or a pet parent on your list! These are pretty quick chews. Our pit bulls get through these in about 30 seconds, but it does add some variety in their diet.
Best Chew Toys for Puppies to Keep them Busy
Depending on your dog's play style, they may enjoy an activity like ripping a jolly ball to shreds, or nawing on a playology stick!
Really anything that Jolly Pets makes is a safe choice for high energy pets. Go big or go home! Your dog will probably chew the handle off, but they'll love the weight and the challenge of playing with a ball designed for horses.
I gave this flavor to my dog and she played with it for weeks! She did want to pull it apart after awhile, so dogs who are really aggressive chewers may move through this toy quickly.
Dogs can roll, lick, and chew to get treats, food or other stuffing out of this toy!
Vet-Recommended Dog Chews
There are lots of options for vet-recommended chews! Though personally, I don't feed greenies to my dog.
I am not a vet, but these greenies are packed with added ingredients, and lots of sugars that I just wouldn't want to eat myself, so why would I want my dogs to eat them?
I've worked with over 15 vets in my career as a veterinary assistant. I worked with one vet who used the "knee cap test" who didn't recommend giving your dog anything that you wouldn't want to get hit in the knee cap with for them to chew on. He had seen a lot of broken teeth due to dogs chewing on antlers and other hard bone-like structures.
Personally, I believe it's about understanding your dog's chewing behaviors and picking appropriate toys.
Long Lasting Chews for Puppies
Best Chews for Teething Puppies
Tuffy makes some of our favorite stuffed toys! Of all stuffed toys, they've held up pretty well with all of the aggressive chewers in our household. We still have a shark toy from 3 years ago!
Bully Sticks
For dogs who tend to bite off a little more than they can chew, there's a bully stick holder so that your dog can't swallow that last piece of hard candy.
Bully Sticks for Puppies
Our dogs love these- but despite what the packaging says, they are not odor free. So be mindful where you give these treats! There's also a 12" size (which is usually what I give my dogs since they last longer)
We love the chasing our tails brand! These are USA sourced and they are hand washed and cut, so they are more odorless than any other brand we've tried. They come in many varieties and lengths, so you can pick a package that suites your budget.
For the most aggressive chewers, there's three bully sticks at a time!
